"Blue Devil" News: Test Details Roll In

[GT4_Rule]

Image if they supercharge the LS7...it would shake the earth.

I highly doubt that a Northstar would be used. First I don't think it has the sound. Second, like inferno said, it would be way too heavy.

 

[skip0110]

I don't think the Northstar envelope is big enough to take much more bore or stroke. Certainly not enough to take it from 4.6 to 6.2 liters.

In fact, Wikipedia says it would max out at 5.4 L.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Something interesting to point out, AutoWeek had different photos of a different mule, although it was the same color...

While the hood scoop indicates this is something other than an ordinary Z06, the real prize is under the hood where our spies previously heard the whine of what is most likely a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 pushing as much as 650 hp. The engine, which will be hand-built at a rate of 1500-2000 per year at the General Motors Performance Center outside Detroit, features an integrated intake manifold intercooler similar to the one GM developed for the Cadillac STS V-Series.

So far, names for the production supercharged Corvette include everything from Z07 to Blue Devil to Corvette SS to Sting Ray. No matter what they call it, look for production of the 2009 model to start in early 2008. And set aside at least $100,000 if you want to one in your driveway.

So its sounding as though the 6.2L S/C V8 is a done deal. Fine I guess, I would have prefered a fire-breathing 101-octane LS7, but I suppose going with a torque monster like that isn't a problem.

BTW: I isn't a Northstar variant. Its too big, too heavy, and too expensive to do one powerful enough to make it into a "super-Vette." The engine is probably a dry-sump version of the L92 V8 in the Cadillac Escalade, probably with a few of the nifty tricks used in the LS7 as well. The only thing it will have in relationship to the Northstar 4.4L S/C (as the article points out) is the special intercooler... Thats about it...

 

[inferno]

Ok, ok! forget what i said about the northstar. haha. So the truck motor is in then? bleh, my expectations for this car just dropped by 75 percent. Why they would ditch an all alluminum, 24 valve, 7 liter V8, in favor of a cast iron, 16 valve 6.2 liter is beyond me.

 

[Poverty]

Ok, ok! forget what i said about the northstar. haha. So the truck motor is in then? bleh, my expectations for this car just dropped by 75 percent. Why they would ditch an all alluminum, 24 valve, 7 liter V8, in favor of a cast iron, 16 valve 6.2 liter is beyond me.

My exact same thoughts. Why GM?

I dont think this car will do the C6 chassis justice.

 

[TopHat]

Or maybe it is the base Corvette engine, upped another.2 of a liter, then fitted with a supercharger?

 

[skip0110]

The L92 is basically the LS2 upped by 0.2 L, and fitted with DoD.

The L92 is aluminum....the Escalade has an aluminum engine.

 

[YSSMAN]

The L92 is basically the LS2 upped by 0.2 L, and fitted with DoD.

The L92 is aluminum....the Escalade has an aluminum engine.

Thank you! I was just going to mention that...

I do know that the L92 and the LS2 share some of the most basic designs, but all-in-all, they are still different animals. One of the biggest differences is the inclusion of variable-valve-timing, and the L92 is designed a bit more for heavy-duty running than the LS2.

However, rumors suggest that the "LS9" was originally a larger displacement engine, but since then was decreased to fit the supercharger and increase the strength (internally) of the engine overall. It does use a similar supercharger system as compared to the Supercharged version of the LH2 Northstar V8 in the STS-V.

 

[Tornado]

Damn. I was hoping GM wouldn't unbore the engine for the super 'Vette and would instead bring out a fire-breathing rev machine. Oh well.

 

[harrytuttle]

Damn. I was hoping GM wouldn't unbore the engine for the super 'Vette and would instead bring out a fire-breathing rev machine. Oh well.

I was hoping for the same thing, something barely street legal. The supercharger (not to mention the rather ungainly hood scoop) just doesn't "feel" right for a Corvette. There hasn't been any production supercharged Corvette in the past, has there? With AMG producing the stellar 6.3L V8, I hoped GM would take cue from that and push out 600-650HP from a 7.2L / 7.5L. A 'Z06 440' or 'Z06 454' sounds kind of nice, yes?

 

[super cirrus]

Damn. I was hoping GM wouldn't unbore the engine for the super 'Vette and would instead bring out a fire-breathing rev machine. Oh well.

agreed. There are plenty of tuners crankin out 600 hp all motor vettes, seems like gm is being lazy.

 

[inferno]

The L92 is basically the LS2 upped by 0.2 L, and fitted with DoD.

The L92 is aluminum....the Escalade has an aluminum engine.

Ahh i see. didnt know that.

I was hoping for the same thing, something barely street legal. The supercharger (not to mention the rather ungainly hood scoop) just doesn't "feel" right for a Corvette. There hasn't been any production supercharged Corvette in the past, has there? With AMG producing the stellar 6.3L V8, I hoped GM would take cue from that and push out 600-650HP from a 7.2L / 7.5L. A 'Z06 440' or 'Z06 454' sounds kind of nice, yes?

Agreed. but honestly, i dont think the LS could safely be bored any more than it has been. the piston sleves on the LS7 are already smooshed together every two cylinders, as is. and in reality the "427" has a more firmly corvette rooted history anyway. Besides, i dont think they would need to increase the displacemnt any to hit 600 - 650 hp. They really should't. Now, if only that were still an option being considered. *daydreams*

 

[YSSMAN]

There hasn't been any production supercharged Corvette in the past, has there?

Never in GM's history has the Corvette ever seen forced-induction on a production model car. There have more than enough supercharged and turbo concepts and tuner versions, but never anything sold at a dealer. The only step-up in engine size that would make sense would be to bore it out to 7.4L (454ci) or 8.2L (502ci) to meet some levels of historical standards. However the small-block has pretty much been stretched to capacity, and there haven't been any plans (that I know of) to replace the current 8.1L Vortec V8, so a Corvette version would be a little odd...

 

[skip0110]

If they up the deck height they can easily push the LS series to 454 cid.

Heck there are aftermarket resleeved LS1s available with stock deck height and 440+ cid, so with higher deck height there is plenty of room for 454, even 502 cid.

 

[GT4_Rule]

So if I understand the posts correctly, Chevrolet is putting the L92 into the Blue Devil? A truck powerplant for the masses?

 

[YSSMAN]

It is a modified version of the L92, presumably called the "LS9," all of which is based on the same small-block design as the LS2. Generally speaking, almost all of the V8 engines in the GM lineup (outside of the Vortec 8100 and Northstar Lineup) are based on the same design, however the "LS" series usually is more performance-oriented as compared to the regular "L" series designs.

So, in the current lineup of GM V8 engines:

LS4 < LH6 < LQ9 < L76 < L98 < LS2 < LS7 < LS9

 

[Jay]

If they up the deck height they can easily push the LS series to 454 cid.

Sure, but especially on V type engines increasing the deck height really makes the engine quite abit larger, with both cylinder heads will be sitting higher out further outwards (due to the V) and then the valley gets becomes larger.

I think if they did that it would become like a 'big block' series of new aluminuim engines. Sounds good though.

 

[YSSMAN]

...And now we recieve confirmation from the man himself, Bob Lutz...

General Motors is determined to reclaim its king-of-the-hill position from the new 600-horsepower 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, which was introduced this week in Detroit.

"As you all know, it is not our policy to discuss future product programs," product boss Bob Lutz said during a meeting with analysts on Thursday. "However, it is very important for Corvette to be the most powerful, most capable, best handling sports car in the United States." According to the Detroit Free Press, Lutz acknowledged that "a recent competitor" had surpassed the Corvette Z06 in terms of horsepower, but "the Corvette vehicle line executive will not take that lying down," he said.

GM has long been rumored to be working on a more powerful Corvette project known as Blue Devil, Sting Ray, Z07, or SS. Back in May, GM's head of performance cars Tom Wallace confirmed the car was under development, but in recent months there has been some speculation as to whether the project was still a go. Lutz's comments confirm the Blue Devil is very much alive.

I knew GM wouldn't take the Dodge move lying down. They've gained too much with the Z06 to be overplayed, and it is time they fight dirty with their own super version of their supercar. A good bet will be at least 600 BHP, and having Dodge to fire the first shot and publish their numbers, it is only a matter of time before GM dials the "Blue Devil" in, and proceeds to clear her for take-off. I'm crossing my fingers for a slightly modded LS7-powered Z06, they call it "ZL-1" and still sell it for less than $100K.

 

[JCE]

A 600bhp Vette would not only wipe the floor with the Viper I suspect it would compete directly with the likes of Zonda, CGT, and Enzo. Which is VERY scary indeed. And I for one like that enormous hood buldge...it makes it look very meanacing. The regular C6 and ZO6 just look smoothe and crisp...not mean what so ever.

 

[ND4SPD]

A 600hp vette against a 600hp viper would make a great match up, but I think dodge still has a surprise up their sleaves. What about the 675hp Mopar concept viper at the Detroit auto show?

 

[McLaren]

A 600bhp Vette would not only wipe the floor with the Viper I suspect it would compete directly with the likes of Zonda, CGT, and Enzo. Which is VERY scary indeed. And I for one like that enormous hood buldge...it makes it look very meanacing. The regular C6 and ZO6 just look smoothe and crisp...not mean what so ever.

It doesn't matter how much power it has, I highly doubt the Vette will touch the Enzo. I mean, c'mon, it's Porsche and Ferrari engineered cars compared to General Motors.

And I also doubt it will "wipe the floor" with the Viper considering it barely could do that with the 500Horsepower. And that price was the primary thing that helped it.

Now, the reports are that the new Vette will be $100,000 while the Viper could sit at $90,000.

One thing is for sure, and that is that GM has lost their big Bang for your Buck.

 

[Dave A]

A 600bhp Vette would not only wipe the floor with the Viper I suspect it would compete directly with the likes of Zonda, CGT, and Enzo. Which is VERY scary indeed. And I for one like that enormous hood buldge...it makes it look very meanacing. The regular C6 and ZO6 just look smoothe and crisp...not mean what so ever.

I really, really, really doubt that Don't get me wrong, the C6 Corvette is a very good car but were comparing apples to oragnes here. not only would a 600bhp Corvette be less powerfull than an Enzo, but the Enzo is likely to still feature a wider track, lower CoG and it's all built around a carbon tub, you don't get stiffer than that when it comes to a cars chassis.

The 500bhp Z06 was 2.5 seconds slower around the TopGear track than the Carrera GT, 3.4 seconds slower than the Enzo and 4 seconds slower than a Zonda F. another 100bhp isn't going to change the fact that thoes cars are built far more with performance in mind than any Vette as opposed to cost. What GM does with the Vette these days is very good, very very good, but be realistic.

 

[Pebb]

If one new car that could rival the Zonda and Enzo, then I would say, it would have to be the all new TVR Typhoon.

 

[Philly]

Had to re-type it in here, but, a little old,

Source: Road & Track Feb. 2007

The supercharged Chevy Corvette that keeps making camouflaged appearances at the N&#252;rburgring is likely to carry the SS moniker when it finally breaks official cover sometime next year. Developed under the code name Blue Devil, the supercharged LS7 7.0-liter V-8 is said to produce around 650 bhp in a bid to one-up the Dodge Viper, which is getting its own power boost. Rumors have swirled about the car bowing at the NAIAS in January, but it appears now that it will be launched later as a 2008 model. Production of the SS will be limited and it's expected to carry a sticker price of about $100,000.

The car looks really mean too. There are some really hopeful numbers there, especially since in another article, same issue, says the Viper will be rated at 580. I think the gap is enough to beat the Dodge. It will be out at around the same time, too, maybe a little later. I wonder how much handling will improve from the Z06. Looks like its going to be a great car, but probably not enough to challenge the established exotics.

A little off-topic, but look for a Callaway version of the C6 with 616 hp soon. That should be fast as well.

 

[YSSMAN]

It doesn't matter how much power it has, I highly doubt the Vette will touch the Enzo. I mean, c'mon, it's Porsche and Ferrari engineered cars compared to General Motors.

And I also doubt it will "wipe the floor" with the Viper considering it barely could do that with the 500Horsepower. And that price was the primary thing that helped it.

Now, the reports are that the new Vette will be $100,000 while the Viper could sit at $90,000.

One thing is for sure, and that is that GM has lost their big Bang for your Buck.

Well, I think Porsche and Ferrari may feel a bit more of the Corvette biting at their heels, not like they already aren't with the current Z06 (911 Turbo and F430, watch out!). The extra power should be enough to keep up with most of the other Supercars out there, notably the SLR and the 599 just to name a few. The Corvette's advantage will be the lower weight and the obvious lower price, however I think they would be better off building what would ammount to a true street version of the C6-R, good for well over 600 BHP, 200 MPH, and the balls to attempt to chase after the world-class supercars that have dominated the segment for so long.

...Against the "next" Viper, it is going to be a closer race than what it was before, a few advantages going to either side for different things. I think "wipe the floor" could be applied with the extra power of the "Blue Devil," however it is going to be a tough call after all. It will be interesting to see how it does work out in the end, as this may turn out to be one of the best sportscar rivalries since the whole F40/959 thing back in the day...

 

[Dave A]

If one new car that could rival the Zonda and Enzo, then I would say, it would have to be the all new TVR Typhoon.

from what I know and what I'm expecting the new super Vette to be, I would definitely say that the TVR Typhoon has a better chance of keeping with cars like the Enzo and Zonda F performance wise, but all I would say is "better chance", not that it actually will keep up with them.

 

[ND4SPD]

I think we've officially got a horsepower war here!👍 In my opinion, everyone wins when it comes to a horsepower war!

 

[TopHat]

Horsepower war= Liberal outcry. They'll start to cite the 70's in the U.S. and such...

 

[eg6_dude]

To be honest with you. I think no matter how close the vette comes to Ferrari or Porsche, it is still a peice of crap GM product in the end. The build quality of the car is crap, the engine technology is crap, and the suspension technology is crap, and don't get me started with the interior!

Those car companies are just in different leagues, so there is no point in trying to compare them.

 

[McLaren]

To be honest with you. I think no matter how close the vette comes to Ferrari or Porsche, it is still a peice of crap GM product in the end. The build quality of the car is crap, the engine technology is crap, and the suspension technology is crap, and don't get me started with the interior!

Those car companies are just in different leagues, so there is no point in trying to compare them.

I wouldn't say they're crap in the way they're built, but more like the supercars just make it look like crap.